Alexandre Louis, Duke of Valois

Alexandre Louis d'Orléans, petit-fils de France, Duke of Valois (2 July 1673 – 8 December 1676) was a French prince born to Philippe de France, Monsieur and his second wife Elizabeth Charlotte of the Palatinate, Madame. He was the Duke of Valois from his birth.

Biography

Alexandre Louis was born at the Château de Saint-Cloud outside Paris in June 1673. His father, known as Monsieur was the only sibling at court making Alexandre Louis one of the most important males at court after the King, the Grand Dauphin and his father Monsieur.

He was the first child son born to the Duke and Duchess of Orléans and as such, their first son. Created the Duke of Valois at birth, he was also the heir to the already large fortune amassed by his father from various business ventures. The year after his birth, he was joined by another brother, later baptised as Philippe d'Orléans. His brother was given the title of Dukes of Chartres.

Alexandre Louis already had two older sister's from his father's first marriage to Henriette d'Angleterre. This was Marie Louise, known as Mademoiselle as the most senior princess as court and the younger Anne Marie. The two princesses would be queen of Spain and Sardinia respectively.

As a Grandson of France (legitimately descended from Louis XIII) the Duke and his sisters were entitled to the style of Royal Highness and were part of the official Royal Family.

Prior to his death, his father departed to take part in the war in the Spanish Netherlands. Alexandre Louis died at the Palais Royal, the Parisian residence of Monsieur and his family. His death, attributed to the bleeding's of the doctors of the Orléans family, was never forgiven by Madame who never trusted French doctors again. He was buried at the Royal Basilica of Saint Denis outside Paris. His mother, who was pregnant with the future Élisabeth Charlotte d'Orléans was left in Paris with depression and worried for the health of her future child. His brother Philippe, went on to be the Regent of France for Louis XV who was the grandson of Anne Marie, Alexandre Louis' his half sister.

Had he lived, Philippe may have become a cardinal, he may have married Mademoiselle de Nantes or her sister Mademoiselle de Tours, the kings illegitimate daughters with Madame de Montespan.

Titles, styles, honours and arms

Titles and styles

• 2 July, 1673 – 8 December, 1676 His Royal Highness the Duke of Valois